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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

White should be lead back


The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!

WINNERS

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.

Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.

LOSERS

Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.

Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.

Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Pat Freiermuth Oct 5 2:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth found the end zone in Week 4 and hopes to be similarly productive in a Week 5 bout with the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth is enjoying a prominent role in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system as the only tight end in the NFL with at least four receptions in all four weeks this season. Although the Cowboys have been stout against opposing tight ends in 2024, Freiermuth's consistent utilization gives him a floor that many players at the position cannot provide for fantasy purposes. He is essential to Pittsburgh's success as a preferred weapon in the passing game second only to receiver George Pickens. Freiermuth may have trouble repeating his success of last week on Sunday night, but fantasy managers can rely on him as a low-end TE1 nonetheless.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 5 2:30pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had his best showing of the campaign in Week 4 and will look to carry positive momentum into a primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Through the first four weeks of the season, Pickens has earned over 28% of the team's targets with quarterback Justin Fields at the helm. Fields has been steady as a passer in 2024 and consistently displays trust in Pickens as his go-to receiver. Dallas' defense has been solid against opposing wideouts but did allow rookie sensation Malik Nabers to post 12 receptions for 115 yards last week. The Cowboys are a bit banged up defensively, with linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) out and defensive back Trevon Diggs (ankle) questionable for Sunday night's contest. Although Diggs is expected to suit up, Pickens could benefit from any limitations faced by the former All-Pro corner. Pickens is yet to find the end zone this season but continues to offer fantasy managers plenty of upside due to his ability to make plays down the field. The 23-year-old should be locked into lineups as a WR2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 5 2:20pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is not expected to play on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram has been sidelined since Week 1 but returned to practice this week, participating in a limited capacity each day. He suffered the hamstring injury during pregame warmups in Week 2 and could miss a fourth consecutive game as a result. Unless something changes unexpectedly, the Jaguars will attempt to secure their first win of the season without this crucial target. In Engram's absence, Brenton Strange has stepped up as the clear starter, recording eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. However, his target share has declined over the past two weeks. While Strange can be considered a risky streaming option, he may still provide value in a pinch this week.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week but will hope to capitalize on an enticing matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. The Steelers will once again be without Jaylen Warren (knee), and with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) also sidelined, Harris is poised to amass a large volume of touches. Dallas's defense has struggled to stop the run this season and has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs through the first four weeks. In addition to his utilization on the ground, Harris has been extremely involved in the passing game over the past two weeks, recording eight receptions on 11 targets. Pittsburgh lacks proven depth in the backfield, and although Aaron Shampklin is likely to mix in, Harris should operate in a workhorse role on Sunday night. He can remain in fantasy lineups as a solid RB2.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

The Green Bay Packers have placed wide receiver Romeo Doubs on the reserve/suspended list for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. Reports indicate that Doubs missed practice this week out of frustration with his role in the offense. Although he participated in practice on Wednesday, he did not attend on Thursday. Concerned for his well-being, team representatives visited him at home. Doubs currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards and receptions, trailing only Jayden Reed in those categories. He has recorded 12 catches for 169 yards this season but has yet to score a touchdown. With fellow receiver Christian Watson also expected to miss tomorrow's game against the Rams, the Packers will rely on Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to step up in a more significant capacity for Sunday's matchup in Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 5 2:00pm CT
Trey McBride

The Arizona Cardinals have downgraded tight end Trey McBride (ribs) to questionable for Sunday's game due to a rib injury. McBride had cleared concussion protocol earlier this week after missing Week 4 against the Commanders, but he has now appeared on the injury report with this new issue. This season, McBride has recorded 14 receptions on 21 targets for a total of 122 yards. In his last outing against San Francisco in Week 15 of 2023, he caught 10 passes for 102 yards. Backup tight end Elijah Higgins saw an increase in playing time last week, managing two receptions for 12 yards against Washington. However, it's difficult to project his future role, especially since the Cardinals had effectively lost that game by halftime. More updates on McBride's injury are expected before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff against the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 5 1:40pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit hosts the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 5 divisional matchup on Sunday. The Niners rank as the fourth-most productive D/ST in football so far, propelled by a big performance against New England last week. San Francisco sacked quarterback Jacoby Brissett six times, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted one pass which was taken to the house by linebacker Fred Warner. Arizona's offense has been decent so far, ranking 13th in both yards per game and points per game. They're relatively healthy, though tight end Trey McBride (ribs) was tagged as questionable on Saturday after clearing concussion protocol, and starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) is also questionable. On the other side, the 49ers are a bit beat up on defense with tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) still on Injured Reserve and Warner (ankle) questionable. A few backups are also unavailable, which could make things more difficult in Santa Clara's predicted 99-degree weather. The 49ers D/ST is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked option in Week 5, with a bit of a boost if Warner plays.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 5 1:30pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is coming off a three-touchdown performance and will hope to keep rolling against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. This should be a favorable matchup for Fields as Dallas has surrendered the 11th-most fantasy points and sixth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks through the first four weeks of the season. Fields' fantasy potential will additionally benefit from the absence of star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle), who the Cowboys have ruled out for Sunday night. Although the Steelers are favored at home, Dallas' offense has plenty of firepower and should be able to put up points. This bodes well for Fields, who proved in Week 4 that he can effectively command Pittsburgh's offense when trailing. The 25-year-old signal-caller can be started as a low-end QB1 with upside this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and center Ryan Kelly (neck) have both been downgraded from questionable to doubtful to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson suffered an oblique injury in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was relieved by veteran Joe Flacco, who now appears to be in line for his first start in Indy in 2024. Fantasy managers were probably already considering benching Richardson this week after his disappointing start to his sophomore season, and now you can officially move him to the bench for Week 5. The 39-year-old Flacco becomes a clear QB2 streamer in superflex leagues against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to QBs so far this year. Flacco went 16-for-26 for 168 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Richardson last week against Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody has a home matchup in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Last week versus New England hit all three field goal attempts -; from 22, 26, and 41 yards -; and made all three extra-point tries. Moody is tied with Dallas' Brandon Aubrey for the second-most kicker fantasy points per game in Yahoo default scoring. Last year San Francisco's red zone offense was hyper-efficient, which meant that Moody only attempted 25 field goals in his rookie year while leading the league in extra points. In 2024 however, Moody is already nearly halfway to that field goal attempt total with 12 through four games. The Cardinals' defense is allowing 26.5 points per game to opposing offenses -- fourth worst in the NFL -- so Moody's floor is safe even if it turns into one of his patented extra-point games. Moody is a top-5 option in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Evan Hull

The Indianapolis Colts elevated running back Evan Hull and cornerback David Long Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad on Saturday. The team also signed cornerback Alex Johnson to the practice squad and released running back Trent Pennix from the practice squad. Hull will provide more backfield insurance with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) ruled out for the Week 5 divisional contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. With Taylor sidelined for at least one week, Trey Sermon is expected to operate as Indy's lead back, with Tyler Goodson backing him up. The Colts' offense is likely to be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique), too, with veteran Joe Flacco expected to make his first start in 2024. Hull had one carry for one yard and caught his only target for a six-yard pickup in one game in his rookie season with the Colts in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 5 12:50pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs skipped practices on Thursday and Friday because he is upset with his opportunities in the passing game through the first four weeks of the 2024 season, according to sources. Because of Doubs' skipped practices, he's now doubtful to play in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams due to personal reasons. "It's still day-to-day," head coach Matt LaFleur said after Friday's practice. Doubs is third on the team with 20 targets, only two behind Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, who have 22 apiece. Last year, he had a team-high 96 targets -- two more than Reed and well ahead of Wicks (58) and Christian Watson (53). Green Bay didn't throw as much with quarterback Jordan Love (knee) missing two games due to injury. With Watson (ankle) and Doubs doubtful to play in Week 5, Reed and Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft will be more attractive in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 5 12:40pm CT
Tyler Huntley

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) has been downgraded to out for the Week 5 divisional contest on Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins. Peppers put in a few limited practices this week after injuring his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will now have to miss at least one game. The 29-year-old figures to have a good shot at returning in Week 6 to face the Houston Texans, barring a setback. It's a big loss for the Patriots' secondary in a plus matchup against a Dolphins offense that is currently being led by backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. With Peppers sidelined on Sunday, expect the Patriots to deploy Dell Pettus and Jaylinn Hawkins more. Defensive back Kyle Dugger (ankle) is also listed as questionable for New England. Peppers has 23 tackles (11 solo) and an interception through the first four games of 2024 in his third year in New England.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 5 12:30pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

The Miami Dolphins are activating wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday, and he will make his 2024 debut in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. Beckham practiced in full all week, his first week back after having a procedure on his knee in the offseason. "On a team that is very motivated to win a football game, I think he's eager to try to help do that," head coach Mike McDaniel said. The 31-year-old was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. OBJ's return gives Miami more depth behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but Beckham won't be a realistic starting fantasy option, at least until/if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is able to return later this year. For now, Beckham will compete for targets with the likes of Braxton Berrios and rookie Malik Washington.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 5 12:30pm CT
Kendrick Bourne

The New England Patriots are activating wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday, and he will make his 2024 debut on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, according to a source. Bourne and K.J. Osborn (shoulder) were both listed as questionable to play this weekend on Friday's final injury report. Bourne is returning after tearing his right ACL in Week 8 of 2023. Expect the Patriots to ease the 29-year-old into the fold this weekend, so he shouldn't be an option for fantasy lineups in his first game of 2024. But when he works his way back to a full workload, he could be one of quarterback Jacoby Brissett's top receiving options next to rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. Bourne's best season came in his first year in New England in 2021, when he caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five TDs. His fantasy upside will be limited in the Pats' weak offense.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Oct 5 12:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is going on Injured Reserve on Saturday, which means he will miss at least the next four games. In a corresponding move, the Cowboys moved linebacker Nick Vigil to the active 53-man. Amani Oruwariye and Carl Lawson are also being elevated from the practice squad. Cooks had already been ruled out for Week 5's Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but now he won't be eligible to return until Week 10 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have their bye in Week 7. This news certainly makes Jalen Tolbert more attractive as a waiver-wire pickup if he's still available in your league, as he's expected to see a substantial role increase as the WR2 in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb with Cooks sidelined. Cooks caught nine of 19 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown in the first four weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown was quiet through the first three contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he finally got it together in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing 80 yards off 15 carries and adding two touchdowns. Naturally, expectations are higher than usual for Brown entering the AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Still, Zack Moss remains atop the depth chart, and he'll likely continue to see more snaps and rushing opportunities. With that in mind, Brown is still in the flex conversation, although he's a risky option.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Amari Cooper

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculates that the Cleveland Browns could receive a lot of interest from other teams in wide receiver Amari Cooper as the trade deadline nearly in early November. The Browns aren't believed to be shopping Cooper right now, but he's attractive from a salary standpoint after the Browns reworked his contract. Fowler also lists Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson as a name to watch at the deadline if the Panthers continue to lose. The Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins may be another name to keep an eye on. Outside of his seven-catch, 86-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants, Cooper has left fantasy managers wanting more in 2024 in what has been an ugly looking Browns offense. Perhaps a change of scenery is best for Cooper moving forward. In his other three games, he has a combined nine catches for 62 yards.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Oct 5 11:50am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has three touchdowns this season, one fewer than the four he had through 16 games as a rookie. While Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut after missing the Bengals' first two contests, Iosivas still played more snaps in the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers. Granted, the 24-year-old had just one reception in that one. However, Iosivas is still second on the team in red zone targets, keeping him a flex option for Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should be mindful that his presence in any lineup has its risks, although the upside remains.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 5 11:50am CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss has played well this season. While Chase Brown finally got involved in the Week 4 win over the Panthers after not doing much all year, scoring twice, Moss also found the end zone. The 26-year-old also played more snaps than Brown and remains the top runner out of the backfield. With a touchdown in three of the Bengals' four games this season, Moss remains a starting fantasy option in any format. However, his pass-catching prowess gives him even more value in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller